F1 2011

[alanmf1]

Next weekend 27th March sees the start of the 2011 F1 World championship in Melbourne, following the postponement of Bahrain.

I know there are a few ardent fans here.

It promises to be a good season with a few new regulations to spice up the Sunday afternoon battles.
KERS.. push to pass system is back!
A movable rear wing flap to reduce drag and allow passing at the end of the straight ( Note this is controlled by FIA system. Following car must be within 1 sec of car in front to activate it and the lead car can not use his wing in defence. Also activation is only on 1 particular section of the track)
Finally the New for 2011 Pirelli tyres. These have not been lasting as long in testing and atm Teams will be looking at 3 or 4 pitstops!!
I attended the Jerez & Barcelona Tests last month and i can assure you the mistakes are evident!!

With no refuelling the pressure is on the teams of mechanics to carry out safe and reliable sub 4 second stops!!!!

So who do you going to win in Melbourne and who will be champion at the end of the season???

Heres a free predictor game....

http://predictor.castroledgerankings.com/

[KeithD]

Hopefully it'll be as exciting as all the other years were they all pretty much finish as they start, don't overtake, and moan when it rains because they know they'll have to really race :doh .... Hurrah for Inday racing :Hellooo::Hellooo::Hellooo:

[gWaPito]

Nice one Alan:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Im trying to get me a new tv cinema system in time for the big kick off.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[alanmf1]

Keith, I agree that F1 can be and is most of the time processional!
Indycar like Nascar makes great TV and is also very fan friendly..
The Sebring 12hour sportscar race is on at the moment with 56 cars starting the race and a laptime difference of 20 seconds per lap now that sees a lot of excitement!!
However the FIA and more importantly the F1 Teams know that they have to do something to spice up their own show and are working on regulations to do this...
It is however still nice to see the ingenuity and technical expertise that F1 is even if it is as ludicrously expensive as Football!!:doh

[steve monty]

I think this year will be much better than previous years. There seems to be a lot more 'mid range' teams progressing well with the rule changes. I can see teams like Mercedes, Renault, Sauber, Williams and Red Bull's little brother team doing well and springing some supprises. There a lot of talented drivers outside the big three of McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull so i think it will be a better championship than usual :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

I must confess i'm not a mechanical fan and do not know the in's and out's of the KERS, moveable rear wing and aerodynamics. but i do like watching it!

[Englishman2010]

:) Definitely looking forward to it. Let's hope it's another great fight like last year with lots of contenders fighting it out right until the last race.

[Steve.r]

Alan, with your knowledge and insight into the workings of F1, it would be great to hear more of your experiences with the teams, and maybe a post race diagnosis of what happened, went wrong and how you see things panning out over the season.

I for one am very interested in hearing about your work in F1

Will you be following your team around the world this season ?

[alanmf1]

No Steve, im way too old for 20 races a year now mate.... its for the young fellas!!
I did 11 seasons of it from mid 90's until 2005.
I was at the tests helping out some old friends........

MOTO GP tomorrow mate... Hondas 0.8 ahead of the Yamahas hmmmm and 46 1.5sec off the pace!!!:doh

Did your "blade" sell?

PS..Boss doesnt seem tp like F1 mate so better not say too much..

[Steve.r]

No Steve, im way too old for 20 races a year now mate.... its for the young fellas!!
I did 11 seasons of it from mid 90's until 2005.
I was at the tests helping out some old friends........

MOTO GP tomorrow mate... Hondas 0.8 ahead of the Yamahas hmmmm and 46 1.5sec off the pace!!!:doh

Did your "blade" sell?

PS..Boss doesnt seem tp like F1 mate so better not say too much..

Well Alan, you still have more insight than all of us :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Funnily enough..... a guy came round this afternoon and he decided after a bit of haggling to buy my 'blade. Sad it has to go, but it means I have funds for a car in Phils :)

[gWaPito]

Umm Nascar and indy, more enjoymentwatching paint dry.

If they took to a proper race track with the occasional twist and turn, I may watch it.

Last year F1 was very disappointing.

The developersand engineers won that for red bull.

My mother could of been the driver and still would of won it.

That's far they were ahead.

The best driver was not at red bull driver which was a shame.

The dreadful errors Vettel made throughout the season was embarassing.

Just me opinion:D

[Steve.r]

However much the team support the drivers in whatever means they can from the pits, I dont think even I could handle a car of that magnitude, however fast I think I can drive or ride my bike. The drivers still make the cars go round the track, but it 'is' a 'team' sport these days.

[steve monty]

I agree that there a lot of talented drivers in F1 now, they by enlarge got there through right and not sponsorship. Is there such a thing as 'team' now? I'm sure they changed the rules now so that the team can favour one driver this year. Maybe it was Ferarri who wanted it changed. probably had to wait till their former team principle was FIA boss. :Rasp: :D :icon_lol:

What do people think of the movable wing? will it make much difference? as only on one straight of the track.

For the race, on pole Vettel. To win, Alonso.

I hope Nico Rosberg of Merc and the Williams team will have a good season

[alanmf1]

Steve M...
The wing has been tested a lot by all the teams but not under "race conditions".
I believe that its on the agenda for testing in free practice on Friday.
It will allow passing but "its artificial" if you know what i mean...
The 1 second rule will be interesting to see... 1 sec being about 80+ metres @200mph!

I agree Vettel for pole, Webber to win!

Ferrari will be in the mix with Mclaren and STR being the midfield surprise!

[Steve.r]

It will allow passing but "its artificial" if you know what i mean...
The 1 second rule will be interesting to see... 1 sec being about 80+ metres @200mph!

How often can the movable wing be used ? Can it be used on places other than the straight? will some more skilled drivers be able to reduce the drag with the wing to improve driving on other places on the track?

[alanmf1]

Have a read mate...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89955

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns22995.html

an interesting innovation but i think it spoils the "pure racing" aspect..

[KeithD]

They should have an oval in F1, at least you'd get some overtaking. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

I'm a supporter :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Not keen on the KERS thing or the new wing though.

[KeithD]

Every year they say it'll be better, but it never is, we don't actually get a 'race'. All we get is is a procession of manufacturers. They should all get the same engine, otherwise it's down to the developers of the most power just as much as the drivers. We seen what happened when you put Button in a good car, he can win. Did that mean he'd been driving crap for years? He'd suddenly improved that year? Nope, he got the fastest engine.

I know bodywork makes a difference, but it's what is under the bonnet the usualy decides who wins and who loses. At least in rally cars the stages level the playing field regardless of engines, but the F1 tracks do not do that. With Indy they all have the same engines and the 50/50 split between oval/street circuits levels them out.

[Steve.r]

They should all get the same engine, otherwise it's down to the developers of the most power just as much as the drivers.

They all work within the same rules, it is just down to how they develop the car within those rules, they all have the chance to do the same.

As for the oval, maybe each track should have an oval built in or grafted into the track, then a free for all no limit blast for a few seconds, but isnt that what KERS and the new wing will provide?

[grahamw48]

I like Indy too....in fact all forms of motor sport.

Thank goodness for the variety available to us, either to participate in or to watch. :)

Drag racing appeals to my outrageous sense of humour though.

I'm just working on an old VeeDub 'rapid response' tow truck at the moment.
What do you reckon ? :D

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http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5402/vwbusdragster1489082188.jpg

[Steve.r]

I like Indy too....in fact all forms of motor sport.

Thank goodness for the variety available to us, either to participate in or to watch. :)

Drag racing appeals to my outrageous sense of humour though.

I'm just working on an old VeeDub 'rapid response' tow truck at the moment.
What do you reckon ? :D

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http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5402/vwbusdragster1489082188.jpg

Its not road legal, no indicators :icon_lol::icon_lol:

[Englishman2010]

Its not road legal, no indicators :icon_lol::icon_lol:

Speed bumps might be a bit of a problem too....otherwise, why not:D

[KeithD]

They all work within the same rules, it is just down to how they develop the car within those rules, they all have the chance to do the same.

But they don't in the real world though do they. which is why the FIA keep having to change the rules every year. If you ask me they should only race in the rain, at least we get something to watch.

They also took out all the long straights on every track, the German track through the forest used to be brilliant, but then they ruined it with chicanes, and now they've dumped that part of the circuit altogether and rebuilt it so you can't overtake!!!!

Then we have the stupid chicanes rules, which ruined one season :doh ..... It's quite simple .... you fill the sides of the chicanes with the stuff that quickly slows cars down, no rules needed as no advantage could be gained.

[Dedworth]

For those interested there is a free F1 guide in Mondays Guardian.

The rest of the paper would come in handy if you have an outside karzi

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/competition/2011/mar/15/f1-2011

[steve monty]

Steve M...
The wing has been tested a lot by all the teams but not under "race conditions".
I believe that its on the agenda for testing in free practice on Friday.
It will allow passing but "its artificial" if you know what i mean...
The 1 second rule will be interesting to see... 1 sec being about 80+ metres @200mph!

I agree Vettel for pole, Webber to win!

Ferrari will be in the mix with Mclaren and STR being the midfield surprise!

Sound's like you are saying drivers could use this from a long way back, 80+ meters. It will be interesting to see how it works in race situation.

I would love Webber to win, but I have a feeling he might get stitched up with the new rule allowing team orders. :rolleyes: I mean they took away his new wing after Vettel broke his which i think is a bit sad really. Vettel broke his, his fault; :NoNo: I understand they have to look after the teams interest's, but Vettel didn't have an outright lead. "Not bad for a number 2 driver" :D :icon_lol: :icon_lol: Quality!!

[gWaPito]

For those interested there is a free F1 guide in Mondays Guardian.

The rest of the paper would come in handy if you have an outside karzi

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/competition/2011/mar/15/f1-2011

H aha ha that made me laugh :laugher:

[gWaPito]

Hey Steve r (many steve's) I was being light hearted in my 1 st post here.:)

The point I was making, it was a shame the championship was won by a mediocre F2 driver. Not my opinion but, of well respected former F1 drivers.

As for me, I have until 2008 been a bike rider since 77, and been lucky enough to have owned both car as well. My first proper bike was a GT 750 Suzuki, my last being purchased 2005, a Busa K5.

Many a track day at Brands :)

I for one, can't see Red Bull dominating this year like the previous.

As for poles, I'd plump for Lewis Hamilton, to win, Lewis Hamilton.

The race at le mans where he was robbed of 1st, it was a disgrace. He drove like a driver like ive never seen before, brilliantly.

[Steve.r]

Hey Steve r (many steve's) I was being light hearted in my 1 st post here.:)

As for me, I have until 2008 been a bike rider since 77, and been lucky enough to have owned both car as well. My first proper bike was a GT 750 Suzuki, my last being purchased 2005, a Busa K5.

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Yes, I know what you were getting at:) but sometimes we get numbed into thinking it is an easy job. I also shout at the tv that my mother could do better :NoNo::icon_lol:

Nice bikes btw, I sold my CBR1000RR5 Fireblade yesterday :bigcry::bigcry::bigcry: a genuine factory Repsol rep too :bigcry::bigcry: The bike I had before that was a 'Busa, awesome machine:xxgrinning--00xx3: before that a Gixer thou' R1 and another Blade. I love bikes.

MotoGP is on BBC2 right now also :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[alanmf1]

MotoGP is on BBC2 right now also :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:xxgrinning--00xx3: Repsol benefit............

Looks like the aussie has just pulled the pin!!

[stevewool]

just brought a bike yesterday , looking forward to getting out at the weekends with emma making the best of the long summer days i hope

[alanmf1]

just brought a bike yesterday , looking forward to getting out at the weekends with emma making the best of the long summer days i hope

Reckon you will look good on a Tandem in the dales mate:icon_lol:

[gWaPito]

Yes, I know what you were getting at:) but sometimes we get numbed into thinking it is an easy job. I also shout at the tv that my mother could do better :NoNo::icon_lol:

Nice bikes btw, I sold my CBR1000RR5 Fireblade yesterday :bigcry::bigcry::bigcry: a genuine factory Repsol rep too :bigcry::bigcry: The bike I had before that was a 'Busa, awesome machine:xxgrinning--00xx3: before that a Gixer thou' R1 and another Blade. I love bikes.

MotoGP is on BBC2 right now also :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I never thought I'd get shot of mine.
:NoNo:

[Steve.r]

I never thought I'd get shot of mine.
:NoNo:

Me also, but running a car also does get pricey. At least i can now get a ca in phils now with what i got for the bike :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

Has anyone ever been on one of those racing car drives at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, etc? I think they are about £150 for a few laps. Doesn't sound bad to me :transam-front-ramai

[grahamw48]

Trackdays are fun. :)

Oh, and here I am drag racing (badly:rolleyes:) my old TVR 400SE.
You're not supposed to have wheelspin for the first 200 yards. :icon_lol:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujywKNIRLno

[gWaPito]

Has anyone ever been on one of those racing car drives at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, etc? I think they are about £150 for a few laps. Doesn't sound bad to me :transam-front-ramai

I did, it was at Castle Combe. I treated myself for my 40th birthday

Saloon cars first then, formula ford.

Much more choice of car now. :)

I think I paid around 100 pounds, the whole deal lasted 3 hours. I thought it was good value then, 10 yrs ago

[alanmf1]

Has anyone ever been on one of those racing car drives at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, etc? I think they are about £150 for a few laps. Doesn't sound bad to me :transam-front-ramai

We all have Keith.....every time we get in a Taxi at NAIA:yikes:

[Englishman2010]

We all have Keith.....every time we get in a Taxi at NAIA:yikes:


:icon_lol:

I usually get a couple of freebie track days a year (one ofthe perks of my job :xxgrinning--00xx3:)

The last one was in July last year at Silverstone, a full day of driving the following:

Ferrari 360
A Singleseater Formula Ford
Porsche 997 Turbo
Audi R8 - V10
Audi TT RS
Lotus Exige
Renault Clio Cup
Ford Fiesta ST rally car

[steve monty]

We all have Keith.....every time we get in a Taxi at NAIA:yikes:

:icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

Any Taxi ride in the Philippines reminds me of the 80's computer game Outrun! Trying to get to the finishing point as quick as possible!! One Taxi ride back to province on a dirt track road I cracked my head on the ceiling and window 4 times because the driver thought he was Sebastien Loeb!!! :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

[Englishman2010]

:icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

Any Taxi ride in the Philippines reminds me of the 80's computer game Outrun! Trying to get to the finishing point as quick as possible!! One Taxi ride back to province on a dirt track road I cracked my head on the ceiling and window 4 times because the driver thought he was Sebastien Loeb!!! :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

The trikes are just as bad too.

On my last trip to Palawan I was properly terrified by the minivan driver on the way back from the underground river to Puerto Princesa. It was a 90 minute drive on a montainous road, with lots of blind bends both uphill and downhill and very few overtaking points and plenty of opportunity to plumet down the side of the mountain.

The driver must have had a date that evening as he was very keen to get back to the city. He approached every blind bend like he was a racng driver trying to take a wide entry so that he could clip the apex of the bend whilst keeping the revs at around 4000 so that he could power out as soon as he'd cleared the apex. Every corner resulted in lots of tyre squealing and I'm sure some of the corners were taken on 2 wheels:omg: I think that trip is the only time I have ever been scared in the Philippines

[stevewool]

when we was at tagatay we had a trip down the mountainside to the lake, that was great but coming back at night i just shut my eyes and wedged my foot into the sidecar and hung on for dear life, but still was fun

[alanmf1]

when we was at tagatay we had a trip down the mountainside to the lake, that was great but coming back at night i just shut my eyes and wedged my foot into the sidecar and hung on for dear life, but still was fun

I make that about half a dozen of us....import a container of trikes, start our own rival series! Mr Ecclestone beware.................:hubbahubba:

[Englishman2010]

I make that about half a dozen of us....import a container of trikes, start our own rival series! Mr Ecclestone beware.................:hubbahubba:


Sounds like a good idea Alan:xxgrinning--00xx3:
I don't think many westerners would be crazy enough to drive like a Pinoy, we'll have to hire Filipino drivers too

[steve monty]

That would be quality!!! :xxgrinning--00xx3: :xxgrinning--00xx3: :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I wonder if the rules allow modifying the bike to a CBR :D :D and a handicapping system like in race horsing with the use of passengers for the better drivers!! :D :D

Sorry thinking too much :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :Rasp: :Rasp:

[alanmf1]

:crazy: just add a canopy and additional passengers!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNcZS_jTz6I

[alanmf1]

This looks more like us!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGULcLUr0I4

[Englishman2010]

The starting grid:D

[alanmf1]

The starting grid:D

Le Mans style Ian ....:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

:laugher::laugher::laugher: I see Bernie Ecclestone has been reading my posts :D

Ecclestone wants artificial rain during races: http://www.thef1times.com/news/display/02726

Which is basically admitting that F1 races are boring.

[Englishman2010]

:laugher::laugher::laugher: I see Bernie Ecclestone has been reading my posts :D

Ecclestone wants artificial rain during races: http://www.thef1times.com/news/display/02726

Which is basically admitting that F1 races are boring.

It would be more fun if they had a Swedish or Finnish Grand Prix in mid winter

[bornatbirth]

anyone seen the movie "Deathrace", to liven up all motor sport including GP500 how about a few oil slicks and smoke or after every 10 laps any driver coming in last gets :xxaction-smiley-047

[Englishman2010]

anyone seen the movie "Deathrace", to liven up all motor sport including GP500 how about a few oil slicks and smoke or after every 10 laps any driver coming in last gets :xxaction-smiley-047

Now there's a great idea:xxgrinning--00xx3:

We can give Filipino trikes to long term residents of Her Majesty's Prisons and give Dedworth a sub machine gun to take pot shots as them as they go around the track:omg:

[KeithD]

Machine guns on the front of each car :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

anyone seen the movie "Deathrace", to liven up all motor sport including GP500 how about a few oil slicks and smoke or after every 10 laps any driver coming in last gets :xxaction-smiley-047

Watched it yesterday with my son. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I think I was paying more attention to the female passenger than the action . :hubbahubba:

[bornatbirth]

Watched it yesterday with my son. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I think I was paying more attention to the female passenger than the action . :hubbahubba:

can't say i noticed her ;)

how about a manila gp and lets see how good the drivers really are, when they have to dodge a street full of jeepney's :drivingx:

[steve monty]

Steve M...
The wing has been tested a lot by all the teams but not under "race conditions".
I believe that its on the agenda for testing in free practice on Friday.

First practice today and McLaren come out of nowhere and post great times! Great to see Button and Hamilton up there. I do like Button he always comes across as a top bloke like Barrichello and Webber. I wonder how it went with the new wing technology? I was hoping that it was going to be on the red button but it is reviewing the 2010 season.

[Englishman2010]

Changing the exhaust systems and front wings helped the McLaren duo:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Looking forward to this weekend, I'll be up early on Sat and Sun to watch quali and the race:)
Let's hope it's a Macca 1-2:xxgrinning--00xx3: and hopefully Di Resta can last the distance

[alanmf1]

Qualy over and a Redbull pole ..... nothing new or unexpected!
Great turnaround from Mclaren from their slow testing pace for Hamilton to be P2 and Button P4!

Middle order a little shaken up with good efforts from Toro Rosso and Sauber!

The rear wing caused a "brown trouser" moment for Sutil it seems....

Tyres are the biggest unknown for the race and should still give us 2 or 3 pitstops, more than enough to spice up the positions....:hubbahubba:

[Englishman2010]

As you say Alan, no surprise with Vettel and RB, Mark must be a bit upset with being so far behind his team mate. Hopefully Vettel's engine will let go and two Brits and Webber will take the podium places.

[KeithD]

Despite all the rules changes not very exciting :NEW5:

The simple way is your grid position is the reverse of previous finishing positions... so the previous winner starts last in the next race.... that'd ensure you have overtaking instead of an Indian file race :doh

[grahamw48]

I quite enjoyed the race. :)

[alanmf1]

I quite enjoyed the race. :)

It was a race made for Keith, i fear Graham!:doh

Good that the race season has begun but certainly not a gr8 ad for F1....

Vettel looks a good champ,Hamiltons still got the drive and ambition (who wudn't with that pussycat!!:hubbahubba:), Button frustrated, Webber seems head f$%&ed! and probably Massa as well! Alonso had a poor day too but will always be there or there abouts.

Midfield battles will get closer and closer and Bransons Virgin CFD policy looks doomed still 6-7sec per lap slower than RBR!

Finally:Erm:Schumy out of luck again.........

Bring on the sunshine, humidity and afternoon thunder showers in KL in 2 weeks!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

(& the Tiger Beer!):Wave:

[gWaPito]

I quite enjoyed the race. :)

:xxgrinning--00xx3: More importantly, Lewis got a 2nd. Like last year, he will be working wonders for McClaren

Not so sure about Jensen.

[grahamw48]

Well you've got to admit it wasn't without the odd drama or two. :)

All in all not too bad a start I'd say.

Spurred me on to several wins on the trot on the Xbox online racing game anyway.

If my opposition knew that I was practically in the grave they'd be sick as dogs. :icon_lol:

[steve monty]

It wasn't a great advertisment for F1 as you say Alan, but it seems the first race never is. Same happened in Bahrain last year and everyone was complaining, wanting to change the rules then the race after it was all forgotten about. Everyone is still developing the car and at different stages. A brilliant drive by Petrov and a great result for Lewis!

Malaysia will be different

[KeithD]

It wasn't a great advertisment for F1 as you say Alan, but it seems the first race never is. Same happened in Bahrain last year ....

...and it never improved after that :doh

It's not a 'race' when you know before the start the grid leaders are statistically the likeliest winners, and that 80% of the fielf have less than a 5% chance of winning. The top teams will take turns in winning as usual, and when one of the 5% gets on the podium a big fuss is made of it, but it's usually because so many of the faster cars either broke, crashed or spun off in the rain.

If it was a horse race, and you used the same horses for 18 races through the year, people would just be bored sick by the end of it seeing the same Class animals winning .... and the handicapper would be shot.

[grahamw48]

Who would have bet on Petrov being podium position ? :)

[alanmf1]

Round 2 in Sepang this weekend!
Redbull looking class of the field with Mclaren very close behind!

Will be a good race as the KL temperatures have not yet been experienced on the Pirelli Tyre!

KL is a great city and gets involved in the atmosphere....Wish i was there! hmmmmmm:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

Round 2 in Sepang this weekend!
Redbull looking class of the field with Mclaren very close behind!

So basically the same as the majority of races then recently? :rolleyes:

[alanmf1]

So, Same winner as Melbourne but a more unusual race...
Button excelled, Webber also with a handicap...
Heidfeild spiced up the race with a great start..

The Kers & DRS (Rear Wing) made a difference too... not sure its in the true ethics of the sport. Making it a little false for me personally.

The races have produced more overtaking which is what people were asking for but i am not sure the average tv spectator can follow whats going on with so many pitstops for tyres??
Last year in Sepang 22 this year 59!

Roll on Shanghai this weekend:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

Great spectator sport.... you can use Kers ... but not on parts D, H, X of the track, and you can only use DRS during laps XX, while on part Y of the track :icon_lol:

And having them use different compound tryes is just stupid, they should use the best and safest tyres for the track. They've put so much into safety over the last 2 decades and yet force them to use soft compound that go off quickly and can result in a car with little grip going off the track and killing someone :doh

Mind you... the F1 was exciting... I think I remember about 5 overtakings :xxgrinning--00xx3: :rolleyes:

[steve monty]

Just watched the replay of qualifying. Another pole for Vettel, seems like this season is going the same way as when Button won the Championship. Button had a great start and nobody was able to catch him in time. :rolleyes:

What happened to Webber?!?! 18th on the grid :NoNo: McLaren are second and third, hopefully they will able to do something from that position.

I always wondered why the cars are not ready for the new season? I know teams are always developing thoughout the season, but why are teams so far ahead from another? If I remember correctly Brawn were working on their car for Button's winning championship season midway through the season before.

[KeithD]

Great season so far ... race 2 was a near carbon copy of race 1, and race 3 looks like being a copy of race 1 and race 2 ..... yipee :rolleyes: ...... Lets hope it snows :crazy:

[alanmf1]

Great season so far ... race 2 was a near carbon copy of race 1, and race 3 looks like being a copy of race 1 and race 2 ..... yipee :rolleyes: ...... Lets hope it snows :crazy:


That was a bit better Keith?

[steve monty]

That was a great race! Brilliant result for Hamilton, Webber drove a great race to finish 3rd! lots of excitement, mishaps and overtaking. :xxgrinning--00xx3: :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

Great race :Erm: .... same lot at the finish as normal. Doesn't make for an exciting season when after race 3 you can see it's likely to be a 2-4 horse race same as every other previous year.

Anyone got the number for Specsavers? Button just texted me :D

[alanmf1]

I always wondered why the cars are not ready for the new season? I know teams are always developing thoughout the season, but why are teams so far ahead from another? If I remember correctly Brawn were working on their car for Button's winning championship season midway through the season before.

Steve,
to try and help..........
It is very unlikely that any Team has a Car that is 100% new from season to season.
They are more of an evolution! In terms of "readiness" the core components of the car begin the fundamental design process around late May early June of the following year.
A lot of simulation CfD & stress analysis go on in the backgroud.
There are factors that delay the whole process such as new regulations,change of engine manufacturer or tyre supplier etc. Any of these have a huge knock on effect on the full package.
Given now the fIA has vastly reduced testing you can see that a lot of the winter work becomes educated guess work!
A few years ago a Team could launch a car and it could be "of the pace" like i think you are saying but the general public would never know because there would be a dozen or more tests with development parts before the "show" came on TV. Today there are 3 tests before the season begins!

Given for example that Pirelli only got the contract last July and tested a single car early August it would be unlikely that the design teams had representative tyre dynamic data in order to design suspension geometry etc until the end of the summer.Thus some may get luckier than others...

There are 4 main items in the package...(in laymans terms) Chassis,Tyres,Aerodynamics & Driver. I any one of these is underperforming then the percentage deficit is high. Thus the large differences in lap time from f ront to back.

You are correct that they are always developing but it is very unusal to see the pecking order change that much during the course of a season as everyone is updating and updating every event!
The reason Brawn were working and developing so late and throughout 2009 was because up until Xmas they were not racing with the pull out of Honda!
I believe that those guys repackaged the systems installation from Honda to Mercedes in 26days!

Hope that confuses you more!:doh

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[steve monty]

Great race :Erm: .... same lot at the finish as normal. Doesn't make for an exciting season when after race 3 you can see it's likely to be a 2-4 horse race same as every other previous year.

Same as the premiership every year right? :Erm: Doesn't make it any less exciting though. The Premiership is the best league in the world.


Anyone got the number for Specsavers? Button just texted me :D

:icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

[alanmf1]

Great race :Erm: .... same lot at the finish as normal. Doesn't make for an exciting season when after race 3 you can see it's likely to be a 2-4 horse race same as every other previous year.

Anyone got the number for Specsavers? Button just texted me :D:icon_lol::icon_lol::Erm::doh

Maybe a case of looking outside the box!

its the same Keith in most professional sports......the Redbull/Mclaren domination is no different today to the ferrari/Schumacher era a few years back or as Steve says the football...Arsenal,Liverpool,Chelsea Man U they have all had their turn in recent years........
same in rugby,
cricket,
tennis,
etc etc
Put in the hard work and effort and eventually you will get rewarded!

[steve monty]

Given now the fIA has vastly reduced testing you can see that a lot of the winter work becomes educated guess work!

Given for example that Pirelli only got the contract last July and tested a single car early August it would be unlikely that the design teams had representative tyre dynamic data in order to design suspension geometry etc until the end of the summer.Thus some may get luckier than others...

The reason Brawn were working and developing so late and throughout 2009 was because up until Xmas they were not racing with the pull out of Honda!
I believe that those guys repackaged the systems installation from Honda to Mercedes in 26days!

Hope that confuses you more!:doh

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Great post and understood it all! Said in a way that we're chatting over a pint :xxgrinning--00xx3:

To re-model a car in 26 days is an impressive turn around! Especially when it was a main component like the engine, didn't realise it was such a short time!

Does that mean aerodynamic's is the last part of the car to be developed? as if there was big change in the design structure, then the whole car would have to be altered.

Is the reduced testing a good thing? I'm sure the FIA brought it in to reduce costs, but it might under value their flagship competition with teams not ready.

The Pirelli tyre's seemed to get a right hammering today. I'm sure at the end of the race all that debris on the track was from the tyres. 3 stop strategy won the day. If Red Bull sort out their KERS in 3 weeks, then their car would be unstoppable.

[KeithD]

But the Premiership is made up of 44 events each year, all full of surprises.... you rarely get a surprise in F1 .... and it's not just that..... where is the overtaking? not much of it, more time than not you'd think it was a time trial!!!

What's with all this DRS/KERS to complicate it for the average onlooker? All they need do is include a boost button that can be used X number of times per race.

[bornatbirth]

F1 is just bland and its all about money all the great tracks have gone and been replaced with these no over taking tracks, the cars are to good and its impossible to overtake with them.

F1 needs to make the cars slower and drivers who dont sound like they're kissing bernies butt :D

[alanmf1]

F1 is just bland and its all about money

Rightly or wrongly isnt all professional sport about money? what makes a foootballer worth £28million?

f1 is only beaten on viewing figures by the world cup and the olympics..so something must be right..and Keith IS watching:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[alanmf1]

But the Premiership is made up of 44 events each year,

:Erm:What is the relevance? Does an f1 team not have 40 attempts per year to win also?

Isnt DRS/KERS just a tool to do the job within the regulations the same as a professional foul or a dive?:NoNo:

[grahamw48]

You can safely take your family to F1 too, without having to put up with foul language and loutish behaviour, by both fans and participants. :)

Face it...it's a better class of sport. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

:Erm:What is the relevance? Does an f1 team not have 40 attempts per year to win also?

Isnt DRS/KERS just a tool to do the job within the regulations the same as a professional foul or a dive?:NoNo:


:Erm: The race yesterday was won by strategy, not because Hamilton was the best driver on the day, which he wasn't. Is it supposed to be a race for the best driver? Because with the rules as they are it stopped being that some time ago. Simple fix is all cars use the same tyre, and all come in to change at the same time, then that'll he towards finding the best driver, although as they have different engines, it'll never happen.

Button sat out the back for years, then he gets a decent engine and he's world champion? Not a surprise when you move from a Skoda to a Porche though is it? :rolleyes:


You can safely take your family to F1 too, without having to put up with foul language and loutish behaviour, by both fans and participants. :)

Face it...it's a better class of sport. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Not if I'm there you can't :furious3::furious3::action-smiley-081::furious3::icon_lol:

[grahamw48]

Don't forget that F1 drivers have had to prove their abilities by coming up through the ranks.

They are at the mercy of whatever regulations are current.

I certainly wouldn't want to compete against any of them for money, regardless of what vehicles we were driving. :)

[KeithD]

They are at the mercy of whatever regulations are current.



Which are wrong.... they must be, the proof is they keep changing them every year :doh

[grahamw48]

There is no right or wrong to it.

The regulators have to ensure that the cars can be run safely on all the different tracks, that the sponsors are kept happy, and that the sport continues to provide interest and entertainment for its hundreds of millions of fans around the world. :)

[steve monty]

There is no right or wrong to it.

The regulators have to ensure that the cars can be run safely on all the different tracks, that the sponsors are kept happy, and that the sport continues to provide interest and entertainment for its hundreds of millions of fans around the world. :)

I agree Graham with what you say, there is no right or wrong to it. All driving competitions have their appeal as well as their non appeal. Everyone has to be pleased with the overall package like the regulators, sponsors, fans, the teams and drivers. :)

Also like Alan said you can not argue with the fan base of F1, only being beaten by the Olimpics and the World cup which why it is seen as the pinnacle motorsport event. So they must be doing something right as we are all still watching :)

[KeithD]

F1's more of a status symbol, toys for the boys than a fanased culture.

[grahamw48]

Even the poorest of men can live his driving dreams through his favourite driver or car though, just as the beer-bellied Man United fans can pretend to be as skilled as their player of choice, or a better judge than the ref. :)

[keeperlit]

Well Alan, you still have more insight than all of us :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Funnily enough..... a guy came round this afternoon and he decided after a bit of haggling to buy my 'blade. Sad it has to go, but it means I have funds for a car in Phils :)

karen would not let me sell our bike ,,to many memories for her,, got bike out fully serviced it so it will be ready for us when we come back,,,,,,,,we had a 1990 mitsubusi lancer back in philippines but sold it and bought a brand new mitsubusi adventure 895,000 pesos took it out over 5 years plus it gives the bro inlaw an income as he can use it for hire taking people sight seeing

[alanmf1]

Another Race weekend...McLaren looking strong in todays sessions, Vettel in the wall!!:doh & Mercedes making progress too...

Place your bets!

[Englishman2010]

Another Race weekend...McLaren looking strong in todays sessions, Vettel in the wall!!:doh & Mercedes making progress too...

Place your bets!

Looking forward to it:xxgrinning--00xx3: Hopefully another win for Lewis

[KeithD]

Place your bets!

Easy... just dutch the usual 4 :rolleyes:

[alanmf1]

Looks like you're in a "win win" situation:icon_lol: Keith:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

If it rains they may surprise us and give us a race for a change :icon_lol:

[KeithD]

:new5::new5::new5::new5::new5::new5:

[alanmf1]

Is that disappointment Keith.......:NoNo:

Bad day 4 Mclaren & Mercedes semi revival 4 the Stallion...
Some good side by side battles with a bit of contact thrown in.....:crazy:

Is Michael past it???:Erm:

[KeithD]

Is that disappointment Keith.......:NoNo:

Is Michael past it???:Erm:

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Michael is in the GP1 Skoda class ... you know... the race that has a few different levels of class in the same race :crazy:

[grahamw48]

Is that disappointment Keith.......:NoNo:

Bad day 4 Mclaren & Mercedes semi revival 4 the Stallion...
Some good side by side battles with a bit of contact thrown in.....:crazy:

Is Michael past it???:Erm:

Sadly none of are immune from the passage of time and its effect on our faculties. :NoNo:

I think he'd have been better taking up Sports Car racing....Le Mans series etc.

I did enjoy the race. :)

[alanmf1]

I did enjoy the race. :)


Its almost a case of TV producers cant keep up with all the action!!

[alanmf1]

So Barcelona last week and RBR got the spoils again, but Hamilton did put up a fight. Ferrari and Alonso upset the apple cart for a bit but then get lapped!!!!
This week its the jewel in the crown, The Monaco Grand Prix!
Its gotta be the craziest place for an F1 race but what a setting..
Enjoy:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

So little action in these and when something does happen they miss it and have to show a replay .... probably due to the director dozing off :icon_lol:

[Englishman2010]

Is the moveable rearwing (DRS or whatever its called:Erm:) going to have any impact given how tight the circuit is and almost nowhere to overtake?

I really don't want Vettel to win again, if it has to be another RB win, I'd much rather Webber, but still want Lewis to win:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

There's a long straight too.

Actually it's not that bad a track for overtaking.

- Was whizzing round there on the Xbox today....no chance of matching an F1 time though.

I think I can do high 1.30s in the Works Murcielago. :)

[alanmf1]

Another weekend another f1 race... one of the best socially of the year!
Montreal is a great city!
As 4 the race this one could be the most open of the year

Keep watching on Sunday evening!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

That's a definite yes ! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

Me too :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Any predictions Alan ? :Erm:

[alanmf1]

Me too :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Any predictions Alan ? :Erm:

Im gonna go with Hamilton or Button to win but with a lot of irregulars in the points!:doh

[KeithD]

They can't even get things right off the track never mind on it :icon_lol:

[alanmf1]

They can't even get things right off the track never mind on it :icon_lol:

A tad harsh Keith ..
Is that not the case with a lot of high profile professional sports at the moment?
Dare i mention fIfA & His Highness Mr Blatter????????????:crazy:
Perhaps its Jockies not being able to race coz they promised to ride another horse..
Or is it the snooker players fixing a match....
Its not only the fIA and f1 who are making a right royal "fcuk up"in the public domain at the moment
:crazy:

[grahamw48]

Let's hope Mr.Rooney manages to keep his hair on. :)

[KeithD]

Perhaps its Jockies not being able to race coz they promised to ride another horse..


That actually happens all the time, the problem was it was an Indian owner who didn't know racing etiquette, and was nothing short of selfish on behalf of the owner who now has few friends in the Western racing world.

...and none you mentioned were in support of a genocidal murderous regime who understand squat about human rights ;)

[alanmf1]

Wow, Button wins a race that almost had everything.
The 2 hours filling of live TV was a little boring but the race in the end was one to go down in history...
Well done to all:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[stevewool]

a great race the best for such a long time i think, exceitment and a great winner too, well done jb

[KeithD]

The first decent race since the Mansell/Prost/Senna days :Hellooo: .... although in them days they didn't stop for a 2hr lunch break halfway through :icon_lol:

With regard the Red Flag rule, the tyre rule needs to be changed to you can't change slicks unless it is to one of the wet weather tyres, as that is basically what the rule was designed for but was worded so that it ruined the previous race.

When it rains it shows you what EVERY F1 race should be like. They pretty much manage it in Indycar, it's not unusual for a car in last place to win.

[alanmf1]

Well done Lewis:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Well done Lewis:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Yep, well done :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I watched an interview with him recently about his 'driving' style image.
This time around us "armchair" fans got a much better chance to see just how he drives.
Yes, he is a very assertive driver, yes he takes some measured risk, yes he fights for his driving line and he thinks about what he needs to do.
If you're gonna win what else can you do

Enjoyed the race anyway.

[tone]

Yep, well done :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I watched an interview with him recently about his 'driving' style image.
This time around us "armchair" fans got a much better chance to see just how he drives.
Yes, he is a very assertive driver, yes he takes some measured risk, yes he fights for his driving line and he thinks about what he needs to do.
If you're gonna win what else can you do

Enjoyed the race anyway.

Yeah was a good race and good to see RBR dislodged!

Lewis showed his mettle!

Tone

[grahamw48]

What an excellent race ! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

So glad that Lewis won, but regardless of that, superb race action at Nurburgring, and real edge of the seat stuff. :Jump:

Now that I'm racing on the consoles I'm enjoying the REAL racing so much more because of being familiar with the tracks that I regularly 'drive' simulated races on....including all the Nurburgring tracks.
It really does make a big difference to the way you can relate to the on-track action. :)

[tone]

Looks nice and wet in Budapest - got my beer and pizza (billy no mates this weekend) and remote in hand to sit and watch this race...

Hope those of you that love the F1 enjoy too..

Tone

[stevewool]

might be intresting with a little water

[tone]

Shame for Hamilton but always great to see Jenson taking a win..

[stevewool]

yes indeed the best man won

[grahamw48]

Exciting racing, and all our boys did well. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Watched the race later, as I was actually away this afternoon visiting an old teenage crush who I hadn't seen in the flesh for 44 years.

THAT was a sobering experience. :cwm24:

[alanmf1]

another good race, always good to see a different winner!
summer break now the back to SPA... one of the greatest tracks!

[Arthur Little]

was actually away this afternoon visiting an old teenage crush who I hadn't seen in the flesh for 44 years.

:cwm24: ... WOW!


THAT was a sobering experience. :cwm24:

Why was that ? :Erm: ...

... you didn't turn-up inebriated ... did you !?

[alanmf1]

visiting an old teenage crush who I hadn't seen in the flesh for 44 years.

THAT was a sobering experience. :cwm24:

Arthur, think this one from Graham almost deserves a thread on its own!!!!:icon_lol:

[Englishman2010]

I'm going to miss Spa, I'll be in Bicol then. The race starts at 8pm Phil time, hopefully I'll find a bar or restaurant that's showing it, or I'll get to see a re-run or highlights on my hotel TV.
Hopefully it will be a cool track, the Macca's seem to perform better than the RB's and Fezza'a in cooler conditions.

[tone]

I must admit I'm thoroughly pee'd off sky are going to be showing F1.:cwm23:

Surely I'm not alone..?

Tone

[grahamw48]

I must admit I'm thoroughly pee'd off sky are going to be showing F1.:cwm23:

Surely I'm not alone..?

Tone

No you're not mate.

BBC can afford to show crap like Eastenders every day of the week, but not F1. :angry:

[Englishman2010]

I'm really annoyed about the Sky deal too:cwm23: F1 is my favorite sport and I really look forward to watching the saturday and sunday sessions on TV. I don't have Sky TV and will never subscribe to it. I really hope that the Beeb put on a decent highlights show at a good time in the early evening, not at 11pm when I want to go to bed.

[alanmf1]

There are a lot of people very annoyed about the SKY deal Ian, I am with you dont have it and am very reluctant to pay anything to the Murdochs after the recent media furore!
But thats another topic!
BBC is though being realistic and the fees that MR E charges to have the rights are astronomical!
Given the split in the calendar with the fly away races i am sure that the beeb will show great "Live" races and just as good highlights programmes!
Unfortunately like the Football F1 has to embrace the digital age and explore new avenues and that is what Sky offered!

Unfortunately its us that suffer!:doh

[KeithD]

I think all F1 races should be held in Asia during the wet season :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Englishman2010]

I think all F1 races should be held in Asia during the wet season :xxgrinning--00xx3:

They tried that in Malaysia in 2009, in the end the race had to be abandoned as the only way round the track was in a boat:doh

[alanmf1]

They tried that in Malaysia in 2009, in the end the race had to be abandoned as the only way round the track was in a boat:doh

And they all needed to fit a pair of CiBie spot lights!

[tone]

According to some industry sources you will still be able to watch every F1 race on the BBC online. I'm just doubting it will be HD.

It will be interesting to see if the sky feeds switch to 3D.

I've recently watched a raft of 3D films and took a look at a Panasonic 3D tv yesterday and all I can say is WOW!

Let's see what happens but unfortunately like all else it's driven (excuse the punn) by revenues...:NoNo:
Tone

[alanmf1]

Who will win this weekend folks? Spa usually gives us a great race!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Oh great....forgot it was Spa. I love that track. :)

Promises to be a fantastic race. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[KeithD]

Probably the only good thing in Belgium :D

[grahamw48]

....So, I was inspired to go and do a few laps on the Xbox today : :D

(I use a wheel and pedals...not a silly little gamepad).
.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTDMEYPL-aY

[tone]

Wow you certainly whacked that Koennisegg in the ....!
Whats that - Forza? Makes me wanna unpack my xbox and start some gaming..

Here's to a good weekend of sport..

[alanmf1]

Probably the only good thing in Belgium :D

Waffles,Frites & Mayo and over 100 types of beer ,Keith must be something there for u!:icon_lol:

[Terpe]

Waffles,Frites & Mayo and over 100 types of beer ,Keith must be something there for u!:icon_lol:

You beat me to it Alan. :xxgrinning--00xx3:
I've had some great times in Belguim all around The Grand Place in Brussels just eating and beer tasting. What a fantastic variety.

Spa-Francorhamps seems to be a bit of an iconic circuit and has always been hit and miss weather-wise.
But anyway Jenson appears to have held his own again. Hamilton also there.
Still early days yet but I wonder if Webber will be extra motivated on this birthday weekend though. Very close call with Alonso

I can't decide how I would like the weather to be.....

[grahamw48]

Wow you certainly whacked that Koennisegg in the ....!
Whats that - Forza? Makes me wanna unpack my xbox and start some gaming..

Here's to a good weekend of sport..

Yep...unavoidable 'racing incident' (he was in my way :icon_lol:).

Unfortunately I'd forgotten to change the gearing, which was set up for street circuits, so that's why the others were catching me on the long straights. :rolleyes:

The game is the latest...'Need For Speed2 Unleashed', which I have on Xbox, with their matching wireless wheel.

Once the cars are properly set up using the new and excellent tuning facility, it is pretty realistic. You can tune on the move too,using the on-screen telemetry display.

It also has night racing ...which is particularly exciting on the Nurburgring. :)

[alanmf1]

A great race, even if RBR did win again!
lots of incident and excitement and NO Rain!:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Impressive drives from JB & Schumi!

[grahamw48]

I agree !

Fantastic race ! :Jump:

Well done Button. Tough luck Lewis. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Unlucky 13 for Lewis Hamilton.
Lucky 13 for Jenson Button. And what a great drive he had.

[KeithD]

Strange isn't it? First race in about 2 months with no rain in it and it's back to the same old same old results of a Red Bull 1&2 :NoNo:

[grahamw48]

Nice to know you had a peek though. :icon_lol:

[alanmf1]

Strange isn't it? First race in about 2 months with no rain in it and it's back to the same old same old results of a Red Bull 1&2 :NoNo:

:doh
I saw the IRL race Keith last night, from Sears Point.Strangely on a road course the guy from pole won the race with the fastest lap! Never catch on eh!:rolleyes:

[KeithD]

That doesn't happen very often though :), whereas it's the norm in F1.

I can watch F1 because I have multiple screens, so had Man City on another, and horse racing on the 3rd :xxgrinning--00xx3: .... I like to look like a bookies :icon_lol:

[alanmf1]

Looks like another RBR walk over under the lights in Singapore!Should make Keith Happy:icon_lol:

[Englishman2010]

Yes, it's looking good for RBR again.

Watching it on TV brings back happy memories of when I was there in Singapore 2 years ago this weekend. I'm also a bit jealous as one of my Filipina friends over there has posted pics from Friday's practice on her FB account.

[Steve.r]

Yes, it's looking good for RBR again.

Watching it on TV brings back happy memories of when I was there in Singapore 2 years ago this weekend. I'm also a bit jealous as one of my Filipina friends over there has posted pics from Friday's practice on her FB account.
yes, I would love to be there too ... oh well, I'll settle for the tv tomorrow :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[andy222]

Its all over but the shouting fair play to Vettle.

[KeithD]

All drivers should have to consume 20 Singapore Slings before starting the race :Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo::Cuckoo:

[Englishman2010]

yes, I would love to be there too ... oh well, I'll settle for the tv tomorrow :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Me too Steve, and it's a damn site cheaper too :)

[tone]

Me too Steve, and it's a damn site cheaper too :)

Me too!

I was very lucky to be there 2009 it was damn hot but aside that the HD coverage is superb to be honest. I loved SG great for visits and it's where I bumped into my Mahal so will always be a great place for us.

Going back to the qualifiers have we had a team grid like today?
RbR row1
Mclaren Row2
Ferrari Row3
Mercedes Row4
Force India Row 5!!

It's quite impressive!

Tone